TERRA 709: Fanihi – A Cultural Digest

Produced by Jim Tharp

Synopsis

The island of Rota contains the last viable population of Flying Foxes in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. This paradisiacal setting is also home to Rotanese Chamorros who have proud traditions stretching back many centuries. The Chamorro word for Fruit Bat is Fanihi and these beautiful and fascinating creatures hold a special place within the culture as a coveted delicacy. However, in recent decades bat populations have declined to critical levels because of the widespread use of guns and a heavy commercial demand for the increasingly rare delicacy. Specifically targeted to Rotanese Chamorros, this film is currently part of community based outreach efforts to increase awareness of the plight of the Fanihi on Rota.

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About the Producer

After finishing an undergraduate degree in biology, Jim split seasons between working as an ecological researcher and as an action photographer in Vail, Colorado. He moved to Montana to attend MSU’s Science and Natural History Filmmaking graduate program where he produced a climate change film for the National Park Service and another about fruit bat conservation on the island of Rota, CNMI. After working as a camera assistant on the BBC’s Yellowstone series, from 2009-12 Jim became the equipment manager for the Discovery Channel’s landmark series, Wild Planet: North America. Jim is currently based in Denver, CO pursuing work as a freelance camera operator and field producer.